THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Sweden vowed to promote safer workplaces, stronger industries and sustainable economic growth through continued collaboration and innovation.
In a forum organized by the Swedish Embassy in partnership with Business Sweden and in coordination with DOLE, officials focused on finding solutions to occupational safety and health challenges in various sectors.
At the center of discussions was the need to protect workers exposed to hazardous working conditions.
One of the key presentations came from Alimak, a Swedish company specializing in vertical access solutions for industrial facilities and construction sites. It highlighted the dangers associated with working at heights, which remains one of the leading safety concerns across industries worldwide.
The firm shared how best global practices and more efficient access systems can significantly reduce workplace accidents and improve worker protection.
The importance of strengthening capacity-building programs that would help inspectors and frontline personnel adopt international safety standards and modern safety technologies was also discussed.
Swedish Ambassador Anna Ferry underscored the vital role of the private sector in advancing sustainable development, particularly in achieving decent work and economic growth.
She stressed that corporate social responsibility begins with ensuring fair treatment, safe working conditions, and respect for workers’ rights.
According to Ferry, Swedish companies have become global leaders in innovation and sustainability by integrating good labor practices, environmental responsibility, renewable energy solutions, and anti-corruption measures into their operations.
She emphasized that responsible business practices are not only morally sound but also make good business sense by creating long-term value for companies and communities alike.
Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino stressed the importance of intensified workplace safety inspections and occupational hazard response efforts.
He reported that the labor department is boosting the capabilities of its Occupational Safety and Health Center through partnerships with local government units for community-level distribution of personal protective equipment.
This, he added, was augmented by collaboration with the Armed Forces of the Philippines on rescue training programs.
Labor Undersecretary Felipe Egargo Jr. said DOLE is embedding workplace safety into project planning, particularly in the transportation, construction and shipping sectors, while expanding high-impact inspections in high-risk workplaces.
